Amtrak readies for high speed on the Northeast Corridor - contract for high-speed trains to provide faster Metroliner Service expected to be awarded in summer 1995 - Brief Article

Railway Age, May, 1995

Amtrak's procurement of 24 high speed electric trainsets for Washington, D.C.-Boston Northeast Corridor Metroliner Service (and two fossil-fuel versions for off-Corridor use) appears to be making progress, after reports that the project could be scaled back or, at worst, scrapped.

Amtrak says that the three consortiums bidding on the contract (estimated at $700-$800 million, including maintenance facilities) have now been asked to submit best and final offers. A contract should be awarded by late summer.

Amtrak has developed what will be the trainsets' final design. Consultant LTK Engineering Services, Philadelphia. has produced a model (pictured) of an exterior design concept that is the work of Amtrak design chief Cesar Vergara.

The sleek new integrated (permanently coupled) trainsets will feature accomodations for 268 coach and 68 club-service passengers in what Amtrak is calling "First Class Airline" seats (to emphasize that the new Metroliners will be superior to existing air shuttles). In addition, for business travelers, there will be six onboard Railfone booths, an onboard fax machine, and at-seat power for laptop computers. Snack, beverage, and meal service will be available. Five locations throughout each trainset will be ADA-compliant.

Even before the contract has been awarded, Amtrak is moving ahead with arrangements to test its 150-mph speed-sters at the Association of American Railroads' Transportation Technology Center, Pueblo, Colo. According to Amtrak Manager-Performance & Tests Ed Lombardi, the TTC's 14-mile RTT (Railroad Test Track) will be upgraded for high speed operation at 165 mph and 12 inches of cant deficiency. The upgrade will include installation of new welded rail on concrete ties, and renewal of the existing catenary system. The U.S. DOT has contracted with Parsons Brinckerhoff to provide engineering services for the upgrade.

The cost of upgrading the RTT is estimated at $12-$14 million. Amtrak says that, as a start, $3 million has been appropriated from its FY 1995 budget. Additional funds, which have been requested through the Federal Railroad Administration, are now pending before Congress.

Amtrak hopes that U.S. rail industry suppliers will play an active role in the RTT upgrade as it procures equipment, in terms of offering competitive prices and timely delivery of materials. "The supply industry stands to benefit in the long term with this project," says Amtrak spokesman Cliff Black. "Procurement of the trainsets and upgrading of the TTC's test facility is a critical part of establishing a high speed rail system in the U.S."